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March 24, 2026
层次(層次)céngcì(ceng2ci4)
层次 (céngcì) refers to the arrangement or hierarchy of ideas, levels, or phases. It is commonly used in both academic contexts, such as structuring an argument or analysis, and in everyday situations, such as discussing social status or organizational hierarchy.
Strokes13Frequency#8718DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of social hierarchy (层次) is significant, often influencing relationships and communication styles. Understanding one's 层次 can affect how one navigates social and professional environments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cake with multiple layers (层), where each layer represents a different stage or level (次) of flavor. Just as you can only enjoy the cake one layer at a time, you understand ideas in a structured level by level.
Meanings of 层次
céngcì(ceng2ci4)
1arrangement of ideas
2administrative level
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 层次
层次Simplified
層次Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#8718Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 层次
Podcast: 层次
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AI Study Notes for 层次
Quick Contrast
层级 (céngjí) — use 层次 when emphasizing the arrangement of ideas or concepts, while 层级 focuses more on the levels within a hierarchy.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 层次 with similar terms like 层 (céng), which means 'layer' alone. This word is somewhat formal, so it is more commonly used in written Chinese than in casual speech. Common collocations include '层次分明' (céngcì fēn míng), meaning 'clear hierarchy'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 层次 connects with other advanced vocabulary in discussing complexity and structure in ideas. Focus on using it in sentences that reflect layered thinking or hierarchical organization.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 层次 in contexts where simpler terms like 层 (layer) are more appropriate. For example, saying '这个蛋糕的层次很美' (This cake's level is beautiful) should be corrected to '这个蛋糕的层次很美丽' (This cake's layers are beautiful).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 层次
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层次 (céngcì) refers to the arrangement or hierarchy of ideas, levels, or phases. It is commonly used in both academic contexts, such as structuring an argument or analysis, and in everyday situations, such as discussing social status or organizational hierarchy.
When to use 层次
Be careful not to confuse 层次 with similar terms like 层 (céng), which means 'layer' alone. This word is somewhat formal, so it is more commonly used in written Chinese than in casual speech. Common collocations include '层次分明' (céngcì fēn míng), meaning 'clear hierarchy'.
层次 or something close to it
层级 (céngjí) — use 层次 when emphasizing the arrangement of ideas or concepts, while 层级 focuses more on the levels within a hierarchy.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 层次 in contexts where simpler terms like 层 (layer) are more appropriate. For example, saying '这个蛋糕的层次很美' (This cake's level is beautiful) should be corrected to '这个蛋糕的层次很美丽' (This cake's layers are beautiful).
Write 层次
层
次
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Grammar Patterns of 层次
层次 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 3
Complete the Sentence
我们感到大家生活的精神____各不相同。
We felt we were living life on several different planes.
